PLANS to build six new houses and two flats built at the site of a former Newport pub have been thrown out over concerns around parking.

The Black Horse Inn in Somerton Road closed in 2008 and was demolished in 2014.

Tesco previously won planning permission to open a new shop at the site, but this never materialised and now developer Harrand Homes has applied to build two three-story, four bedroom homes; four two-storey, three-bedroom homes; and two one-bedroom flats.

Ward member councillor Roger Jeavons said the site, which is currently surrounded by hoarding, had attracted anti-social behaviour and drug-taking since the pub was demolished.

"The benefit of this application would far outweigh what we've got there now," he said.

"It's an absolute shambles."

He added he was keen something was done with the site to avoid it becoming an eyesore.

"This has been going back and forth for two or three years," he added.

Allt-yr-yn ward member cllr David Fouweather said he was concerned the application - which has been recommended for refusal by the council's planning department - only contained eight parking spaces, with the development proposing to have a total of 22 bedrooms.

"I fully accept the member's concerns about the anti-social behaviour on the site," he said.

"But the parking is woefully inadequate.

"It is clear there isn't sufficient parking on this site."

But Stow Hill member Cllr Miqdad Al-Nuaimi said turning the application down would be "harsh".

"I would be reluctant to vote against this as it stands because it does tick the boxes in terms of wanting to see the site developed," he said.

Marshfield ward member cllr Richard White said he was in favour of developing the site, but did not approve of the current plan.

"There is no doubt the site wants development of some sort because it is an eyesore and it has been empty for some time," he said.

"But I don't think just to get that achieved we should accept something that is not acceptable."

Members votes five to two to refuse the application on the grounds of a lack of parking.

To view the full plans visit newport.gov.uk and search for application 15/0432.